Train Station Getaway

One foot in front of the other, Victoria walked with a stride to the ticket counter. Bags in both hands that she had neatly packed yesterday. Her head was held high so that her unseen fear of the unknown wouldn’t be seen. Her ticket is purchased, and her travels are set. A sigh of relief that she has gone through with her plan. You can do this, she tells herself. The train is long, and she passes by many travelers saying their goodbyes. Some folks hug each other and some are mere handshakes. Looking down at her ticket, she sees that she is in car C and she isn’t far off from the car that would take her away. The conductor for her car is firmly standing on the step and takes her ticket. He tips his hat to her and wishes her well. Still holding her bags close at hand, she battles her way through the line of folks in her car. The 1800’s were a new time for train travel, and she had read so much about it. Watching her every penny, she had saved up enough to travel away to a place she longed for. There it is she sighed. Being a shy lady, she requested that she have a seat in the back, nice and quiet. A nice gentleman was walking by trying to secure his seat, stopped to help young Victoria with her bags. Reluctantly, she allowed this nice-looking man to help her. Hello, my name is Matthew, what is yours? He asked. Slowly she spoke, Victoria. Are you traveling alone, he replied?  Why did he ask me that? She pondered. Yes, but I am meeting family ahead. She knew that was not true, but she wanted to be careful. He tipped his hat to her and politely tells her that he hopes that she has a safe travel. The seat was comfortable enough she thought. The travelers were finally making their way to their seats and it was still quite noisy. Children laughing, babies crying and people gathering their belongings. The window was slightly open, and she could feel the spring breeze. Hands outside were waving goodbye to the folks inside. Her conquest was soon upon her. All aboard! The conductor makes his way through the car ensuring that everyone in his car is properly seated and ready to go. No one has obviously purchased the seat next to her and she feels relieved.  

The train slowly starts to move, and the landscape moves away from the train station and onto the open land. Her small town is now in her past and she left a legacy there. Her teaching skills had allowed her to teach a small school of students how to read and write. It was a tearful departure. Her students loved her so much especially one. His name was Albert. Albert was an orphan, but you would never know it by the way that he smiled. Her thoughts seem to race around like the wind taking her to many memories in her mind. A mixture of memories, good and bad. Victoria had a dream to travel beyond the realms of a small town and travel to the bigger cities. She longed to see more. She couldn’t just toss her dreams away, or could she? Her mind twisted her fears. She had to reclaim the hope of a new destination. The train grew quiet as the night drew upon the land. It had grown dark outside. The doors that connected the cars, opened frequently now that dinner was being served in the dining car. Well, I guess that I should make my way there before all the good food is gone, she thought. Tucking her gloves into her baggage, Victoria stood up and almost fell with her first step. She had to laugh at herself. Train legs girl, train legs. The dining car was near empty. A table to her left were what seemed to be a family of four. A man dining alone was to the right and straight ahead was a couple looking like they were so in love. The choice was clear. Taking a seat at the table to the right, the young man stood up and greeted her with a smile. Oh, it’s you! Victoria, right? The man asked. Looking up, she glanced and noticed that it was the young man named Matthew. We will be dining together tonight, Matthew said. The waiter brought Victoria a menu and just Like he had practiced on the other passengers, he read the specials for the night. He appeared to be around 18 of years. My name is Roger and I will return with your drinks. Picking up the drink that he had not touched yet, Matthew said, it is a pleasure to dine with you tonight. What she thought was a mere dinner, became a long night of wonderful conversation. Waking up the following day, the clouds scattered the sky. The world was racing by outside as she envisioned her new world ahead in just a few days. Good morning! The conductor greeted her and handed her a note. Thoughts raced in her head. As she opened the small note written with such precise penmanship, she read.

Dear Miss Victoria,

It was a pleasure to dine with you and converse with you last night. When the train makes a stop, today, I would love to take a stroll with you for it is to be a beautiful day! If you would like to meet me, I will be right outside of your car at 12 o clock.  

Lovingly,

Matthew

A smile creeped up on her face. She has an expectation of what it could be and yet she reminds herself of her life ahead. As she stepped off her car, Matthew stood there ready with a hand to help her as only a gentleman would do. Good afternoon Victoria, I am glad to see that you are joining me today. Victoria smiles. The two young new friends walk along the train station where some travelers are leaving, and some are entering. The two new friends find that their lives are very similar. He is traveling to a bigger city to start a new life and so was she, but they are two different cities. Matthew will be ending his travels in a day and she will go on until the following day. There is a bond that begin and neither one can deny it. Taking her hand, Matthew stops and kisses her face. Victoria blushes but she enjoyed it. The two are inseparable it seems. The conductor calls for the travelers to board. Matthew tells her that he will be waiting for her tonight in the dining car.  

It is five o'clock she was ready for dinner with her new friend. A man rushing by, brushes up against her. Sorry, mamm he says. Then again, another man brushes up against her. During dinner, she tells Matthew about the strange men. I am not afraid; she explains to him, but they seem strange. If it will make you feel better, I will sit with you tonight before you fall asleep. Thank you, she replies, I would like that. When Victoria awoke, Matthew was not there, and she assumed that he had retired to his own seat. Today, there was no note from the conductor. The train made a quick stop and she looked outside to see if she could see him. There was no Matthew. Victoria stopped the conductor who was walking by and asked if he knew anything about her friend Matthew. Without a last name, my dear, I do not know for we have many cars and many people are traveling. Why didn’t I get his last name? Something must be wrong. Maybe it was the strange men! She couldn’t allow fear to sink in. Suddenly, Matthew came rushing to her side. Victoria, we must get our things and leave together at the next stop. Matthew, why? Victoria replies with panic in her voice. Please, my dear, listen to me and we will be alright. Trust me and do not haste. I will return to you in a few minutes. Please, Victoria, gather your things. Deep thinking cannot take over my thoughts at this moment she considers all odds. Victoria gathers her belongings and quickly places her hat upon her head and places her gloves on her well-manicured hands. Matthew returns just as promised and sits next to her waiting for the train to stop. The two friends, sit and wait. The silence is getting to her and she turns to him to ask a question. Victoria, please be still. Turning back to the window, the world is spinning by and she sees the train station up ahead. The wind is whistling, and the clouds appear dark. Without hesitation, the two friends stand as soon as the train comes to a halt.  

Holding her small hand, he helps her to the steps that lead outside. Matthew steps first and holds his hand out to her to assist her off the train. She hesitates. Please Victoria, trust me Matthew says with expedience. She takes that step and the two embrace each other. I will explain to you when we get inside. Taking a seat on a bench inside, Matthew assures his sweet friend that everything will be alright. Matthew, you are scaring me. Darling, he says assuredly, do not be afraid. Why did we leave the train? Victoria is completely puzzled. Just as soon as Matthew begins to speak, the ticket man calls their names. Come, let us go! Standing in front of the ticket masters window, new tickets are given to them and Matthew thanks the man. Taking her to the other side of the station, he finds a corner that he can speak plainly to her. Looking into her sweet face, he explains to her that he is a star witness in an investigation and those strange men were after him. Matthew, she exclaimed. Please, darling, keep your voice down. I have spoken to the conductor on the last train that we were on and he was kind enough to take care of us. I am sorry to include you in this but since the men saw us together, I thought it was safer to take you with me where I can be sure that you would be alright. Matthew explains to her that he cares for her in the short time that they have met, and his intentions are true. He gently kisses her cheek and She fell into his arms. Come, let us go now because I hear the train coming. I have sent a telegram to the police ahead and they are aware that you are with me.  

The train’s whistle blew, and the pair took flight. Looking around to ensure that nothing looked odd, he led her onto the train. The people flock onto the train, aiding one another with their bags. The conductor makes his way through the car checking tickets. A nod is given to Matthew from the conductor letting him know that he is aware of who is. We are safe, he assures Victoria. Faces all looking at one another but not as sincere as Matthew and Victoria. It is a safe trust that she feels for him. Questions danced inside her head. This felt like a play that is being performed in front of me and it doesn’t feel real. Maybe I will wake up she thinks. A familiar sense overcomes her. I feel like I have been here before. She watches the land change outside of her window. Rain begins to pour down upon the train pounding it like a hammer on wood. Thunder and lightning shriek the skies. Matthew holds her hand and comforts her fears with his smile.  

A woman across the aisle is talking quite loudly to her child. The teacher that she is by trade, wants to step in and scold the woman for such yelling at her child. The conductor informs the guests that the storm is quite upon us and will be for awhile and asks if anyone would like to sing to comfort the children. Victoria looks at Matthew and he gives her a smile. Raising her hand, she says, I will. Making her way to the front of the car, she asks for requests. One small child in the front raises his tiny hand. What would you like to hear me sing? The child’s little voice quivers and says I love the song Jesus loves the little children that we sing in church. Victoria clears her throat and begins to sing. The little child sings along with her. Soon, the whole car is singing with her. Everyone forgot about the storm as they sang along. The storm raged throughout the night making for a glorious morning. The sun is shining, and the smell of the storm’s rain is almost breathtaking to the senses. She awakes to Matthew still sleeping. The conductor with his watch in hand, stops to answer a question that she has. When are we stopping, she asks? Two o clock. You will be greeted by some fine men. Who are these men, she replied? Men that will take care of you both. That is all I can say. Matthew awakes to their voices.  What is your role Matthew and what is mine in this travel that we both landed upon? He whispers to her hoping that no one will hear for he knows that she deserves to know. I was born into a wealthy family and not too long ago, I walked in on a conversation that was not intended for my ears. I heard me speaking of taking over my family’s company and my heritage. I ran when I overheard their conversation and I soon found myself running for my life. I ran far and wide and found myself a barn to rest in. I couldn’t go back and tell my family, but they had to be warned. Falling asleep in the barn, I woke to a horse staring at me in my face! Startled, I stood up and gathered my coat. A man walked into his barn when he heard my shuffling. What are you doing here he demanded? If I tell you will you help me? The man agreed and led me into his home. He and his wife helped me and told the policemen that they could trust. From there, I was given this train ticket and they would plan to have someone meet me and put me into witness protection. Then, I met you and my heart melted. Somehow, two of the men must have found out where I was and that is why we are heading to another town on this train.  

Victoria assures him that she believes him and that she will stay by his side. Returning from lunch in the dining car, they begin to gather their things. The conductor announces that the train will be stopping for a quick stop. The train begins it’s decent. Her heart is beating along with his at the arrival. The two take a leap of faith and leave the train. There are three men waiting to assist them and they quickly swift them away. A car is ready and the two are placed inside. Still holding hands, the two are seated beside each other. Only a few words are expressed between the two. A man in the front seat, turns around and explains the plan to the pair. Anxiously, they await. As the car pulls up to a home that sits on a hill, the door is opened, and they are greeted by a woman and a man. The driver introduces them to the couple and assures them that this is a safe place. Arriving inside of the quaint and yet peaceful home, the couple asks them if they need anything. Dinner is made for the couple and they speak about the future of their protection. Your family knows that you are safe Matthew and until the men are found, your whereabouts will remain unknown. Victoria, you will be safe here as well. I hear that you are a teacher and if you would like to teach our children while you are here, that would be lovely. Victoria embraces the idea. Days turn into months and months turn into a few years. Matthew and Victoria fall in love and plan to be married one day. They long to start a family of their own once this ordeal is done. A car arrives one day, and the man takes off his hat as he steps out of the car. There is a knock at the door and the lady of the home answers it. My name is Mark Thomas and I believe that my son is living here. Insisting on credentials, he proves his identity. Matthew, she calls from downstairs. Father and son gasp upon seeing one another. His father explains that the men have been caught and placed in prison for their plots and plans. If it wasn’t for your listening ear, my son, who knows what would have happened and I will be forever grateful that you are alive and well. You must meet my fiancé Victoria! Matthew exclaims. Fiancé! That is wonderful news! Laughter and tears filled the nights conversation. Matthew and Victoria did wed that Spring. It was a wedding unlike any other. Friends and family gathered at the wedding venue. Their wedding picture can still be spotted hanging on the wall in the local train station. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Thomas wed on this day is read under their picture. A train ticket led them to meet.